It is recommended that drivers schedule their travel in advance and use other routes.
When cyclists take over Dubai's famous roadway for the yearly Dubai Ride cycling event on Sunday morning, November 12, cars will not be permitted along a section of Sheikh Zayed Road in either direction from the Trade Centre roundabout to Safa Park intersection (2nd interchange).
Trade Center Street and Lower Financial Center Street are both off-limits to vehicles. The duration of the road closure has not yet been disclosed by the authorities; but, a year ago, the highways were stopped for five hours, from 4am to 9am. Starting at 6.15 am, Dubai Ride will run until 8.15 am.
In order to reach their destination, drivers are advised to plan ahead of time. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has tweeted alternative routes, which include Al Hadiqa Street, Al Wasl Street, Al Khail Road, Al Meydan Street, Al Asayel Street, 2nd Zaa’beel Street, 2nd December Street, and Al Mustaqbal Street.
The Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, introduced the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) in 2017, with the main event being Dubai Ride. For cyclists of all abilities, it offers two routes that take them past some of Dubai's most recognizable sights, such as the Museum of the Future, the Dubai Water Canal, the Burj Khalifa, and other sites along Sheikh Zayed Road and in Downtown Dubai.
34,897 cyclists took part in the Dubai Ride event last year.
An earlier clip from the 2022 event
Drivers in Dubai, be advised that a bicycle event tomorrow may cause Sheikh Zayed Road to close.
Cyclists applauded as they rode along the roadway, posing for pictures as dawn broke.
According to local Maria Guillerma Imboy, Dubai Ride is the biggest cycling event she has participated in in the United Arab Emirates to date.
"We usually ride our bikes to the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab, but this is my first time participating in this kind of festive Dubai Ride; it's the largest one I've joined so far."
